By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
Africell Sierra Leone has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the country’s media sector by sponsoring the 2026 Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) Media Iftar, held at the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) compound in Freetown.
The event, which brought together journalists, editors, bloggers and other media practitioners, formed part of the annual Ramadan activities organized by SLAJ to strengthen unity and solidarity within the media fraternity during the holy month.
According to the Chief Executive Officer of Africell Sierra Leone, Shadi Gerjawi, the company’s support for the Media Iftar reflects Africell’s long-standing culture of promoting and strengthening the media landscape in Sierra Leone.
He noted that the media remains a critical pillar in society, playing an essential role in informing the public, promoting transparency, and shaping national conversations on governance, development and social issues.
The SLAJ Media Iftar has become a significant annual event that provides an opportunity for members of the media community to come together in a relaxed and reflective environment during Ramadan. The gathering allows journalists to break their fast collectively, share a meal and offer prayers while reinforcing professional camaraderie among colleagues from various media institutions.
Media practitioners who attended the event described the initiative as a meaningful gesture that promotes togetherness within the profession while also encouraging collaboration between media institutions and private sector partners.
Africell Sierra Leone’s involvement in the event also highlights the growing partnership between the telecommunications company and the country’s media sector. Over the years, Africell has supported various initiatives aimed at strengthening journalism, promoting responsible reporting and enhancing communication within the media industry.
Observers say such partnerships between corporate institutions and the media community are important in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation, particularly in a rapidly evolving digital information environment where journalists continue to play a vital role in ensuring that citizens remain informed.
By sponsoring the SLAJ Media Iftar 2026, Africell Sierra Leone once again demonstrated its commitment to maintaining strong relationships with journalists and media organizations across the country.
The initiative further reflects the company’s broader corporate philosophy of supporting community-centered activities and contributing to the growth of institutions that play a key role in national development.
As Ramadan continues, the gathering at the SLBC compound served not only as a moment of spiritual reflection but also as a reminder of the shared values of unity, dialogue and cooperation between the media and the private sector in Sierra Leone.
